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A new book offers fresh insight into how we can look at ourselves from another perspective to spot our weaknesses. The findings include ditching the diary for super-focused daily check-ins and trying a stomach churning-named "dinner of truth."

These days it’s hard to avoid the admonishments of self-titled productivity gurus that we should take more control over our lives, calendars, and in-boxes. But there are countless examples of creative and entrepreneurial minds soaring to their greatest heights through the exact opposite approach.

It takes effort to get good at something, and then it takes effort to apply that skill, to create. But determination isn’t enough. You also need to apply yourself with focus. Here are three steps that you can take to increase your ability to persevere.